Firefighters have made a splash to pay tribute to a York boy who is an ‘inspiration to all of us’.
William Rhodes, 12, suffers from diamond blackfan anaemia, a rare form of bone marrow failure, and needs regular blood transfusions to stay alive.
Yesterday he went for his 200th transfusion. And to mark the occasion, firefighters created this special video.
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue wish William all the best for today for his 200th blood transfusion. Stay brave little man, you are an inspiration to us all. #Hero #DiamondBlackfananemia @theyorkmix @yorkpress @NorthYorksFire @fire_huntington pic.twitter.com/OigM7cw4OX
— Station Manager Tony Walker (@sierra18NY) June 17, 2021
Fire crews took time out of doing an exercise on the River Ouse to create the tribute.
The team sped round on their rescue boat too deliver a card to station manager Tony Walker, who said: “Hi William.
“You’re such an inspiration to all of us at North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service. We’d like to invite you to come and see us when you’re available so you can have a ride on the aerial ladder platform.”
William goes to Millthorpe School. His condition means his bone marrow does not produce any of its own red blood cells, which we need to survive.
His family are urging more people to give blood. You can sign up to give blood here.
